Homeless FA, England's national football charity, has been given a Big Society Award for its work in improving the lives of homeless people.

The charity uses football as the catalyst to give homeless people in England the opportunity to develop their skills and abilities, to gain self-respect and confidence, to improve their health and ultimately to transform their lives.

Since it was set up in 2012, the Homeless FA's Training Centre programme has involved more than 400 players with 250 people receiving coaching qualifications.

The training centres are run in partnership with professional football clubs including Arsenal, Brighton and Hove Albion, Bristol City, Derby County, Hull City Tigers, Manchester United, Norwich City, Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion.

Each Big Society Award recipient is selected personally by the Prime Minister, David Cameron.

"I was very impressed by the work Homeless FA does in partnership with community groups, businesses and sports clubs," Cameron said.

"It not only helps people in need, but provides them with new skills and more importantly new hope, allowing them to go on to contribute to their communities.

"Homeless FA is a great example of the big society in action and I wish them every success in the future."